Nigerian university students’ experiences of a one-week positive reframing exercise: a qualitative study

The worsening economic, political, and security challenges in Nigeria, as well as university-related challenges, are driving psychological distress, particularly among university students. Given the limited availability of mental health services and support nationwide, there is a need to expose Nigerian university students to targeted coping strategies to help them manage these challenges. This qualitative study explored how a one-week positive reframing exercise influenced university students’ interpretations of negative experiences, the perceived benefits to their mental and overall well-being, and their college experience. Twenty undergraduate students participated in an instructional session on positive reframing and a week-long reflective exercise. We conducted a thematic analysis of participants’ reflections. The study identified various student life stressors, with mental health concerns most prominent, as well as academic pressure, financial hardship, social difficulties, and environmental stressors. These challenges triggered negative emotions such as frustration, anxiety, helplessness, and, in some cases, hopelessness. Participants reinterpreted their difficulties with greater optimism and self-compassion and reported perceived improvements in emotional regulation, resilience, and their outlook on life. These preliminary findings suggest that a positive reframing exercise might be a promising approach to support resilience and enhance the mental health of university students facing complex academic, personal, and societal challenges. The study offers valuable insights for campus mental health counselors, university administrators, educators, and researchers in low-and middle-income settings seeking to enhance student mental health and their university experience.